First sighting of tarantula relative spotted near Pontefract

Sam Cooper

The first confirmed Yorkshire sighting of the purse-web spider Atypus affinis has been found at the Brockadale Nature Reserve near Pontefract.

The species, which is a distant relative of the tarantula, has not previously been found in the county but was discovered by entomologist Dr Brian Eversham, who was visiting family in the area.

The purse-web spider spins silk tubes which it hides away in, with part of the tube exposed, the rest lying underground.

When disturbed by prey walking past, the spider is alerted by the vibrations caused prompting it to stab through the tube and drag the prey inside to be eaten.

It was these silk tubes, which are unique to the species, that Dr Eversham discovered on the Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve in Little Smeaton.

The spiders are typically found in the south-west and with known locations in Essex and Wales.

Phillip Whelpdale, wildlife data officer for Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said: “This is a very interesting record for the site and particularly exciting as it’s a first for Yorkshire. Whilst spiders are not everyone’s cup of tea, this harmless spider is actually quite remarkable living up to seven or eight years.

“It is difficult to see, spending most of its time in silk tubes, which the males leave a couple of times a year in search of a mate. However visitors to the site may come across the tubes – a sure sign that the spider has been there.”

Visitors to the site need not be afraid of the purse-web spider, despite its tarantula relatives, as this spider poses absolutely no risk to humans, according to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

Richard Wilson, Yorkshire Naturalist Union spider recorder confirmed that the record would be a first for Yorkshire.

For more information on Brockadale Nature Reserve and how to get there visit www.ywt.org.uk/reserves/brockadale-nature-reserve.